Doubt about mp3 format licensing

[Manu Somasekhar]

Hi,
From what I understood using mp3 encoding in your app require license. But I have seen some examples for implementing a music player app which plays MP3 files. Also there are many apps in Google Play which can process MP3 file like audio player, audio editors etc. So do I require to buy MP3 license for an app that process MP3 files?

[Steve Luke]

First, I am no lawyer, so take this as just a guess:

That depends, I think: If you use Android's built-in tools, I think you are free and clear (http://developer.android.com/guide/appendix/media-formats.html). If you use a library that works on mp3 format, check to see if that library has and can transfer license to you via use of its library. If you roll your own, then you probably need to consult someone in legal, because I think the licensing for mp3 is pretty complicated (who owns patents, where they are enforceable, when they expire(d))...

[Manu Somasekhar]

Thanks Steve.

[Manu Somasekhar]

Found a useful link for anyone interested

link

[Ulf Dittmer]

I'm also not a lawyer, but a general rule om thumb (which you would need to verify) is that reading or playing a format is free, whereas creating or writing a format may require a license.

[Manu Somasekhar]

Thanks Ulf